A Christmas Bride

CHAPTER THREE

KAYLEEN BACKED OUT of the kitchen, her hands up in front of her, palms out. “No really. I mean it. Everything we have is terrific. I love the food. I’ve gained three pounds.”

When she could no longer see the head chef’s furious expression, she turned and hurried to the closest staircase, then ran up to a safer floor.

She’d only been offering to help, she told herself. But her offer of assistance had been taken as an insult.

With the girls gone all day and a kindly worded but clear letter from the orphan school saying it would be too awkward to have her teaching there, now that she was under Prince As’ad’s “protection,” Kayleen had nothing to do with her time. Sitting around was boring. She needed to keep busy with something. She couldn’t clean the suite she and the girls lived in. There wasn’t even a vacuum in the closet.

She wandered down the main hallway, then paused to figure out where she was. The wide doorways looked familiar. Still, what would it hurt to have a few “you are here” maps to guide newcomers?

She turned another corner and recognized the official royal offices. In a matter of minutes she was standing in front of As’ad’s assistant, Neil.

I really need to see him,” she said.

You do not have an appointment.”

I’m his nanny.” It was a bluff. She was staff and she had a feeling that all staff needed an appointment.

I’m aware of who you are, Ms. James. But Prince As’ad is very particular about his schedule.”

Neil was British, so the word sounded like “shed-ule.”

The door to As’ad’s office opened. “Neil, I need you to find—” He saw Kayleen. “How convenient. You’re the one I’m looking for.”

Guilt flooded her. “Is it the chef? I didn’t mean to insult him. I was only trying to help.”

His gaze narrowed. “What did you do?”

She tucked her hands behind her back. “Nothing.”

Why don’t I believe you? Come inside, Kayleen. Start at the beginning and leave nothing out.”

She glanced longingly at the exit, but followed As’ad into his office. When they were both seated, he looked at her expectantly.

She sucked in a breath. “I went down to the kitchen. I thought I could maybe help out there. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m bored. I need to do something.”

She stopped talking and pressed her lips together to hold in a sudden rush of emotion. Need—there was the word that mattered. She had to be needed.

You have your three charges,” he said. “Many would find that enough.”

Oh, please. They’re in school for hours at a time. Someone else cooks, cleans and I’m guessing does our laundry. So what do I do the rest of the time?”

Shop?”

With what? Are you paying me? We never discussed a salary. Are there benefits? Do I have a dental plan? One minute I was minding my own business, doing my job, and the next I was here. It’s not an easy adjustment.”

One corner of his mouth twitched. “If I remember correctly, you assaulted a chieftain. Not exactly minding your own business.”

She didn’t want to talk about that. “You know what I mean.”

I do. Tell me, Kayleen. What did you teach?”

Math,” she said absently as she stood up and crossed to the window. As’ad’s view was of a beautiful garden. She didn’t know anything about plants, but she could learn. Maybe the gardener needed some help.

Advanced?”

Some.”

You’re comfortable with statistical analysis?”

Uh-huh.” What were the pink flowers? They were stunning.

Then I have a project for you.”

She turned. “You want me to do your taxes?”

No. I want you to work with the education minister. While many girls from the rural villages are graduating from high school and going on to college, the number is not as great as we would like. For El Deharia to grow as a nation, we must have all our citizens educated and productive. I want you to find out which villages are sending the most girls to college, then figure out what they’re doing right so we can use that information to help the other villages. Does that interest you?”

She crossed back to the sofa. “You’re serious? You’re not just offering me this to keep me busy?”

You have my word. This is vital information. I trust you to get it right.”

He spoke with a low, steady voice that seemed to pull her closer. There was something in his eyes that made her want to believe him.

Excitement grew inside of her. It was a project she could throw herself into, and still have plenty of time for the girls. It would be challenging and interesting and meaningful.

She rushed toward him. “I’d love to do it. Thank you.”

She leaned forward impulsively, then stopped herself. What was the plan? To hug him? One did not idly hug a prince and she didn’t go around hugging men.

She straightened and took a step back, not sure if she should apologize or pretend it never happened. As’ad rose and crossed to his desk. Apparently he was going to ignore what she’d almost done. Or he hadn’t noticed.

Then we are agreed,” he said. “You’ll report your progress to me in weekly meetings.” He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a credit card. “Use this to get yourself a laptop and printer. Your suite already has Internet access.”

She hesitated before taking the card. No one had ever offered her a credit card before. She fingered the slim plastic. “I’ll, um, make sure I get a bargain.”

You don’t have to. Kayleen, do you have any idea how wealthy I am?”

Not really,” she admitted.

You don’t need to shop for a bargain.”

But she would. She would be responsible with his money, even if he didn’t care.

Okay. I’ll get right on ordering one.”

He studied her for a moment. “You may also use that to shop for yourself and the girls.”

We don’t need anything.”

You will. Clothes wear out. Even my limited knowledge of children tells me they grow and require new clothes.”

You’re right.” She stared at the card. “You’re also very kind.”

I am not. My daughters deserve the best because of who I am.”

You don’t have a self-esteem crisis, do you?” she asked, both amused and envious.

No. I am clear on my place in the world.”

Must be nice, she thought longingly.

You belong here, as well,” he told her.

Because he was once again reading her mind? “Not really.”

If I say it is so, it is.”

Thank you” seemed the right response. He was being kind. The truth was, she didn’t belong here at all. She was just staff and easily replaceable.

She turned to leave, but he called her back.

I’ll get you information on your salary and benefits,” he said. “I should have taken care of that before.”

She smiled. “You’re a prince. I guess you’re not into details.”

You’re very understanding. Thank you.”

You’re welcome.”

His dark gaze caught hers. She told herself it was okay to go now, that they were done. But she couldn’t seem to pull away. She felt a powerful need to move closer, to...to... She wasn’t sure what, but something.

The phone rang. He glanced down and she was able to move again. As much as she wanted to stay, she forced herself to walk out of the office.

* * *

WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS,” Lina said as she curled up on her bed and held the phone close.

There is no ‘we,’” Hassan told her. “You are in this on your own.”

That’s not true. This was all your idea. You’re in this as deeply as I am.”

You’re a very difficult woman.”

I know.” She smiled. “It’s part of my charm.”

You are charming.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and did her best not to scream. Not only wasn’t it fitting her position, but she was forty-three. Forty-three-year-old women didn’t go around screaming because a handsome man flirted with them on the phone. Even if that handsome man was the king of Bahania.

Kayleen really likes As’ad,” she continued. “She’s having a little trouble adjusting to the palace, but who wouldn’t? Still, she’s doing well. He came and talked to me about making sure she had a salary and benefits. He wants to be generous. That’s something.”

You may be reading too much into what he says.”

I hope not. She would be good for him. He always holds back his emotions. I blame his father for that.”

How refreshing,” Hassan said dryly. “One usually blames the mother.”

She laughed. “Speaking as a woman, I would say that needs to change.”

This is my favorite part of our conversations. The sound of your laughter.”

Her heartbeat went from normal to hyperdrive in two seconds. Good thing she was lying down—otherwise, she would have fallen.

It is as beautiful as the rest of you.” He paused. “Have I startled you with my confession?”

Um, no. It’s fine. I mean, thank you.”

He sighed. “How much of this awkwardness is because I am a king and how much of it is because I am so much older?”

None of it is because you’re the king,” she said without thinking.

His short “I see” had her backpedaling.

No, no. It’s not about your age. I just wasn’t sure... We’ve never really talked about... I thought we were friends.”

We are. Do you wish us to be more?”

Oh, my. Talk about putting it all out there.

Lina clutched the phone and told herself to keep breathing. She was terrified to tell the truth, to admit that she thought about him a whole lot more than she should. What if he wanted to know so he could let her down gently?

Hassan,” she began, then stopped.

I would like us to be more than friends,” he said. “Does that information make things easier or harder for you?”

She exhaled. “Easier. A lot easier. I want that, too.”

Good. I did not expect to find you, Lina. You are a gift for which I will always be grateful.”

Thank you,” she whispered, not sure what else to say. “I’m intrigued, as well.”

Intrigued,” he repeated. “An interesting choice of words. Perhaps we should explore all the possibilities.”

* * *

AS’AD WALKED INTO his suite at his usual time in the early evening. But instead of quiet, dark rooms, he found the living area bright and loud. Dana and Pepper were stretched out on the floor, watching a show on his large television. Nadine swirled and danced by the window and Kayleen stood at the dining room table, arranging flowers.

She looked up when he entered. “Oh, good. You’re here. I called Neil to ask him what time you’d be home. He didn’t want to tell me.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think he likes me.”

Perhaps he is just trying to protect me.”

From us?” She asked the question as if it were a ridiculous possibility. “I wanted to have dinner ready, which it is. I have to say, this calling down to the kitchen and ordering food is really fun. We each picked a dish. Which may not have been a good idea. The menu is fairly eclectic.”

She paused for breath, then smiled. “We wanted to have dinner with you.”

She wore another dress that was ugly enough to be offensive. The dull gray fabric sucked the life from her face and the bulky style hid any hint of curve. Yet when she smiled, he found his mood lifting. He wanted to smile back. He wanted to pull her close and discover the body hidden beneath.

Heat stirred, reminding him how long he had lived only for his work.

He ignored the need and the wanting, the heat that forced blood south, and set down his briefcase. He even ignored that, given her past, Kayleen had probably never been with a man, and instead focused on the fact that she and the girls were in his room.

He had made himself extremely clear. She was to keep the children away from him. They had their own suite and everything they could possibly want or need. He had only taken the sisters to keep them from a less desirable fate. Yet when he started to remind Kayleen of that, he could not seem to bring himself to say the words.

Perhaps because she looked so hopeful as she smiled at him. He did not want to squash the light in her eyes.

I’ll get some wine,” he said, moving to the small wine rack tucked in a cabinet. Something stronger might make the evening go more quickly, but he only had wine in his rooms. He did not, as a rule, drink here. Of course he did not, as a rule, have a woman and three children to contend with.

Nadine danced over to him. “Hi, As’ad,” she said, her eyes bright with happiness, her mouth smiling. “Did you have a good day? I got every word on my spelling test except one and it was really hard. My new teacher says I’m a good speller. I’m good in all my subjects, except math, and Kayleen is gonna help me with that.”

Pepper ran over and pushed in front of Nadine. “Hi! I’m in school, too, and I’m good at math.” She stuck out her tongue at her sister, then smiled back at him. “I made a picture and I brought it for you, but you don’t have a ’frigerator, so where are we gonna put it?”

Dana stood and joined them. “He doesn’t want your picture,” she said, then sighed, as only an older sibling can. “She’s not a very good artist.”

Pepper stomped her foot. “I’m an excellent artist. You’re just a butthead.”

Dana gasped, Nadine looked worried and Pepper slapped her hand over her mouth. Terror darkened her blue eyes and she glanced between him and Kayleen. Apparently saying “butthead” was not allowed.

As’ad rubbed his temple.

Kayleen walked over and looked at Pepper. “You know that’s wrong.”

Pepper nodded frantically, her hand still over her mouth.

You need to apologize to Dana.”

Pepper, a tiny girl with long, curly blond hair, turned to her big sister. “I’m sorry I called you that.”

Dana put her hands on her hips. “That’s not good enough. You always call people—”

Kayleen cleared her throat. Dana hunched her shoulders.

Thank you for apologizing,” she grumbled.

Kayleen touched Pepper’s shoulder. “Now you help me think of a suitable punishment. What is appropriate for what you did?”

Pepper’s eyes filled with tears. “No story tonight?” she asked in a whisper.

Kayleen considered. “That’s a little harsh. What if you have to give up your choice on movie night? Dana gets two choices instead.”

Pepper shivered slightly, then nodded. “Okay.”

Good.” Kayleen smiled at As’ad. “We’re healed. You ready to eat?”

He opened the bottle of wine and joined them at the table. When he was seated, before he could pour, Kayleen reached for Pepper’s hand and his. He stared at her.

Pepper leaned toward him. “We have to say grace.”

Of course.”

He took Kayleen’s hand and Nadine’s, then lowered his head while Kayleen offered brief thanks for their meal. While she served, he poured two glasses of wine and passed her one.

Kayleen handed him a plate. “I’ve never been much of a drinker.”

Neither have I.” Although under the circumstances, he just might be starting.

This was too much, he thought. More than he’d expected or wanted. There were children at his table. And a woman he did not know and was not going to sleep with, and having sex with her would be the only acceptable reason to have her here. Yet he saw no easy way to escape.

We go around the table and talk about our day,” Kayleen said as she passed Dana her plate. “Everyone has to say one good thing that happened. I hope that’s okay.”

And if it was not?

He glanced down at the plate in front of him. Lasagna, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and a salad.

Perhaps some kind of menu would be helpful,” he told Kayleen.

I know. I’ll get one made up. But the girls really wanted to order you their favorites.”

Dana talked about how she’d finished her homework early and had found a collection of medical texts in the palace’s main library. Nadine mentioned her dance class and how well she’d done.

I hit a boy,” Pepper announced cheerfully. “He was teasing these three girls. He’s kinda big, but I wasn’t scared. So I hit him. The teacher didn’t like it but because I’m new, she said she was going to let it go this one time. I heard this other teacher saying that boy needed a good beating and maybe I’m the one to give it to him.” She beamed. “That was fun.”

Kayleen quickly covered her mouth with her napkin. As’ad saw the humor in her eyes and knew she was hiding a smile. He took a sip of wine to keep from laughing. He liked Pepper—she had the heart of a lion.

Perhaps hitting boys is not the best plan,” he said as he set the glass down. “One day one of them might hit you back.”

I’m tough,” she said.

Still. Violence is a poor strategy.”

What’s a better one?”

He hesitated, not sure what to say.

Kayleen grinned. “We’re all waiting to be dazzled by your strategy.”

Perhaps you would like to offer a suggestion?” he asked.

Not really. Go ahead.”

Privately he agreed with Pepper’s approach, but he doubted it would be successful as she grew.

We’ll talk later,” Kayleen said, rescuing him. “I know hitting a bully seems like a good idea, but it’s going to get you into a lot of trouble. Not only with the teachers and with me, but as As’ad mentioned, you could get hurt.”

All right,” Pepper grumbled. “But sometimes boys are really stupid.”

Dana looked at As’ad. “What good thing happened to you?”

I decided on a bridge. There is to be a new one over the river. After much planning and discussion, a choice was made. I am pleased.”

All three girls stared at him. “You’re going to build a bridge?” Nadine asked.

No. I have given my approval and told them what to do. Now they will do it.”

Cool,” Dana breathed. “What else can you tell people to do?”

Can you throw them in the dungeon?” Pepper asked. “Can I see the dungeon?”

One day.”

Her eyes widened. “There’s a real one? Here? In the palace?”

Yes, and sometimes children who do not behave are sent to it.”

They all went silent.

He chuckled. “So, Kayleen, what was your one good thing for today?”

This, Kayleen thought as she tried not to stare at the handsome man at the head of the table. This dinner, this moment, with the girls having fun and As’ad acting like they were all part of the same family.

It wasn’t real—she knew that. But all her life she’d wanted to be a part of something special, and here it was.

Still, she had to say something. “There are stables nearby,” she told the girls. “I found them when I was out walking.”

All three of them turned to him. “Horses? You have horses?” Dana asked.

We love horses,” Nadine told him.

I can ride.” Pepper paused, as if waiting for As’ad to be impressed. “I’ve had lessons.”

He turned to Kayleen. “At the orphanage?”

A former student left several horses to the school, along with the money to pay for them. Many of the children ride.”

Do you?”

There was something about his dark eyes, she thought, knowing she could stare into them for hours and never grow tired of the effect of the changing light.

Badly,” she admitted. “The horse and I never figured out how to talk to each other.”

That’s because horses don’t talk,” Pepper told her, then turned to As’ad. “Kayleen falls off a lot. I try not to laugh, because I don’t want her to hurt herself, but it’s kinda funny.”

For you,” Kayleen murmured.

The main door to the suite opened and a tall, gray-haired man strode into the suite.

As’ad. There you are. Oh. You’re having dinner with your family.”

Father,” As’ad said as he rose.

Father? Something nagged at the back of Kayleen’s mind, before bursting free. Father? As in the king?

She jumped to her feet and motioned for the girls to do the same. Once they were standing she didn’t know what to do next. Bow? Curtsy?

As’ad glanced at her, then the girls. “Father, this is Kayleen, the girls’ nanny.” Then he introduced each of the sisters. “Ladies, this is my father, King Mukhtar.”

Three mouths dropped open. Kayleen kept hers shut by sheer force of will.

The king nodded graciously. “I am delighted to meet all of you. Welcome to the royal palace of El Deharia. May you live long, with happiness and health in abundance. May these strong walls always protect you and provide solace.”

Kayleen swallowed. As greetings went, it was a really good one.

Thank you so much for your hospitality,” she murmured, still trying to accept the fact that she was in the presence of a real live king. Which meant As’ad really was a prince.

She knew he held the title, but she didn’t think of him as royal or powerful. Yet he was.

The king motioned to the table. “May I?”

Kayleen felt her eyes widen. “Of course, Your Highness. Please. We weren’t expecting you, so the meal isn’t exactly...traditional.”

The king took a seat. As’ad motioned for them to resume theirs. Mukhtar studied the various serving bowls, then scooped some macaroni and cheese onto a plate.

I haven’t had this in years.”

It was my pick,” Pepper told him. “It’s my favorite. They make it really good here. Sometimes, at the orphanage, Kayleen would sneak us into the kitchen and make the kind in a box. That’s good, too.”

The king smiled. “So my chef has competition.”

Not really,” Kayleen told him. “His food is amazing. I’m honored just to eat it.”

As’ad looked at his father. “In an effort to fill her day, Kayleen went down to the kitchen and offered to help. It did not go well.”

Kayleen felt herself flush. “He was a little insulted. There was a crash. I’m guessing he threw stuff.”

Was that the night my soufflé was burned?” the king asked.

I hope not,” Kayleen told him.

He smiled. “So what conversation did I interrupt?” he asked.

We were talking about horses,” Nadine told him. “We rode and took lessons at the orphanage.”

The king looked at his son. “Horses. I believe we have a stable, do we not?”

As’ad glanced at the girls. “The king is teasing. The palace stables are world famous.”

Dana leaned toward him. “Do you have horses that go fast?”

Faster than would be safe for a novice rider.”

She wrinkled her nose. “If we took more lessons, we would be experts.”

Exactly,” As’ad told her.

The king nodded. “I agree. All young princesses should know how to ride. I will speak to the head groom myself and arrange lessons.” He glanced at Kayleen. “For all of you.”

Thank you,” she murmured, because it was expected.

You do not look excited,” As’ad whispered to her.

Pepper wasn’t kidding about me falling. It happens all the time.”

Perhaps you need more personal instruction.”

She stared into his eyes as he spoke and found herself getting lost in his gaze. It was as if he had an energy field that pulled her closer. She had the oddest feeling he was going to touch her—and she was going to like him touching her.

Riding is an enjoyable way to get exercise,” the king said.

Has anyone asked the horse about that?”

She spoke without thinking—something that had often gotten her in trouble back at the convent. There was a moment of silence, then the king laughed.

Very good,” he said. “Excellent. I like her, As’ad. This one may stay.”

I agree,” As’ad said, still looking at her in a way that made her thighs feel distinctly weak. “She will stay.”

Would she? Kayleen wasn’t so sure. She still had her life plan to fulfill and that included leaving El Deharia in a matter of months. A situation complicated by As’ad and her promise to the girls.